Despite 39 points on the Maverick Stadium scoreboard, both coaches talked defense after the game. In the first half, Arlington High held Timberview to minus 2 yards on 25 plays. Arlington managed only 37 yards total offense.

Arlington High didn’t get its initial first down until 5:06 was left in the first half as defensive tackles Alejandro Anzaldua and Samuel Amaka turned on the pressure.

“We’ve felt really good about our defense all year,” said Timberview coach James Brown. “Obviously, they stepped up and played 48 minutes tonight.”

Arlington High coach Scott Peach was disappointed in his offense, which gained only 94 yards. But he praised his defense.

Of the first 11 possessions of the first half, the two teams punted 10 times. Arlington High surrendered the ball once on downs. The two teams traded interceptions in the final minute before halftime.